Skywatchers have plenty to look forward to this October, as the night sky offers a dazzling lineup of cosmic events — from a radiant Supermoon early in the month to the eerie flicker of the Demon Star, Algol, later on. The celestial show will also include the Orionid meteor shower, the zodiacal light, and stunning planetary pairings.
Venus continues its role as the “Morning Star,” glowing brightly in the eastern sky before dawn, while the Milky Way and the Winter constellations make for a spectacular backdrop. As NASA’s 2025 Science Calendar notes, October is one of the most rewarding months for skywatchers in both hemispheres.
The Rise of the “Demon Star”
In mid-October, observers can turn their eyes toward the constellation Perseus to see Algol — the infamous Demon Star. Though it appears like any other bright star, Algol has fascinated astronomers and storytellers for centuries.
Algol is one of the first non-nova variable stars ever discovered. Its brightness fluctuates predictably every few days as one of its companion stars eclipses the other. To ancient observers, this mysterious dimming made Algol seem cursed.
